Our History

History was made in the Golden Isles with the formation of the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation in 2005. Led by founding chair, Bill Jones III, a small group of local philanthropic visionaries set on a course to establish a public charitable organization devoted to improving the quality of life in Coastal Georgia. These dreamers believed that our community could join the ranks of the more than 750 successful communities and regions in the United States with establishment of a “community foundation.” Broadly defined, community foundations serve to bring a wide range of philanthropic interests together – individuals, families, businesses, community organizations – to promote civic and community well-being through collective, strategic, solution-focused philanthropy. Yet, unlike most other communities that have robust community foundations, Coastal Georgia did not have a wellspring of established, large corporate interests or headquarters from which to draw start-up funding. So, with its usual can-do attitude, Coastal Georgia made history by establishing a community foundation in its own unique way. More than sixty (60) local families and foundations came together and pledged their resources to create the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation – in hopes of ensuring its work would be “for good, for ever.”

After thirteen years, the Community Foundation has grown to over $19 million in assets, representing over 70 funds. It is governed by a Board of Directors representing all three counties and employs two full-time staff.

We pay tribute to those Founders who provided the vision, commitment and financial leadership to establish the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation.